John Gordon : Short Biography

John Gordon (c1839-1902) was my 2nd Great Grandfather. He was born about 1839 to William and Alice Gordon in Ireland, possibly in Ardstraw, Co. Tyrone. In 1851, at age 12, John was living with his parents and six siblings in Mountnorris, Tullyglush Parish, Co. Armagh. On February 11, 1858, John married Phoebe McAskie, daughter of John and Betty McAskie, at Drumlegagh Presbyterian Church, Ardstraw Parish, Co. Tyrone. In 1858, John and Phoebe were living in Woodlands Townland, Taughboyne Parish, Co. Donegal where John was a farmer. They had ten children: Benjamin (b.1860), William (b1861), James (b.1863), Joseph (1865-1943, my Great Grandfather), Andrew (b.1866), David (b.1866), Moses (b.1870), a daughter (b.1872, died shortly after birth, Thomas (b.1873) and Elizabeth (b.1874). They were Presbyterians and could read and write. Phoebe died on February 18, 1875 at age 38. In 1901, John was still living in Woodlands with four of his children, James, Andrew, Elizabeth and Thomas. John died of heart disease on November 23, 1902, age 65, in Woodlands. In his will, John left 197 pounds to Rev. Alexander G. Lecky, long-time minister at Ballylennon Presbyterian Church. It seems likely that John attended this church as it was only about 1.5 miles from his home in Woodlands.